Illegal immigrants to be given $1bn for healthcare under contentious new California Democratic proposal
Proposal would eliminate residency requirements in state’s Medicaid program
It’s part of $4.3 billion in new spending proposed by Assemblyman Phil Ting
Assembly Democrats also want to expand a tax credit for the working poor
By SOPHIE INGE
DAILYMAIL.COM
15 December 2017
California, flush with cash from an expanding economy, would eventually spend $1 billion a year to provide health care to immigrants living in the state illegally under a proposal.
The proposal, announced on Wednesday by Democratic lawmakers, would eliminate legal residency requirements in California’s Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal, as the state has already done for young people up to age 19.
It’s part of $4.3 billion in new spending proposed by Assemblyman Phil Ting, a San Francisco Democrat who leads the budget committee.
Assembly Democrats also want to expand a tax credit for the working poor, boost preschool and child care, and increase college scholarships to reduce reliance on student loans.
They also would commit $3.2 billion more than required to state budget reserves.
The proposal marks the Assembly’s opening volley in six months of budget negotiations with the Senate and Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown, who has been reluctant to commit to new ongoing spending on social services.
California has significantly reduced its rate of uninsured people since former President Barack Obama’s health care law took effect, but about seven percent of residents still lack coverage.
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